"The venerable GNU Image Manipulation Program is undergoing a significant transformation. The next major release, version 2.8, will introduce an improved user interface with an optional single-window mode. Although this update is still under heavy development, users can get an early look by compiling the latest source code of the development version from the GIMP's version control repository."

The only thing that was, IMO, resoundingly stupid was removing the menu toolbar, but the leaving blank space there. And it appears to still be there! No excuse for that really.

That's what that was! I assumed it was some odd interaction with GNOME Global Menu. If that's really just GIMP, why the heck would the ever consider leaving the space there? It looks ugly and wasts space. Are they out of their minds?